For nearly a decade, Connie Miller has been throwing parties for all her Oxford friends. But this year she has to throw a soiree for herself.
The 14-year Oxford resident was recently selected as the Oxford Public Library Friends? (OPLF) ?2005 Friend of the Year.?
‘Overwhelmed? and ‘awkward? were the two words the bewildered Miller used to describe how it feels to be this year’s honoree.
‘Overwhelmed because I never in my wildest dreams expected to be honored as Friend of the Year,? she said. ‘And awkward because I’ve always thrown this party for the community and to honor other people. I never expected to throw it for myself. It’s weird.?
Since 1997, Miller has coordinated the Friends? Storybook Gala held annually at Devil’s Ridge Golf Club to honor the ‘Friend of the Year? recipient.
‘Last fall when I sent out invitations to the Friends? meeting, I included forms people could send back with suggestions for Friend of the Year,? Miller explained. ‘When the majority came back with my name on them, I just didn’t know what to think.?
Of the 13 nominations received, 11 were for Miller.
‘The people we’ve honored in the past as Friend of the Year are amazing and have done amazing things for our community and the library,? Miller said. ‘Now to be a part of that group of very special people is quite overwhelming.?
Past Friends of the Year have included Roger Oberg, Dorothy Shamblin, AnnMarie Offer, Irene Schaible, Don and Colette Chadwick, Duane Salswedel, Jan and John Fizel, and Perdema Duncan.
‘It’s no surprise to me. She’s definitely earned it,? said Friends Treasurer /Secretary Jan Fizel. ‘Connie’s volunteered nearly 10 years of her life to the Friends, to the Oxford library, to this community. Without Connie, there would be no Friends today.?
‘She exemplifies the kind of community spirit and natural exuberance that makes things happen in a small town like this,? said Friends member John Fizel.
Miller joined the Friends in 1997 when the group reorganized and mobilized for the campaign to build a new Oxford Public Library.
Since then, she has served as president, vice-president, secretary, director of promotions and gala coordinator. Her current position is Friends? Director.
Miller describes her work with the Friends as ‘enormously rewarding? and ‘very gratifying.?
‘We’re a small group, but we do some good things and have a good time,? she said.
The OPLF supports the library through financial donations for various programs, equipment and ‘little extras? that typically aren’t budgeted for.
For instance, it was the Friends that raised $40,000 to build the library’s giant stone fireplace.
But it’s the Friends? on-going support of the library’s children’s reading programs that have been nearest and dearest to Miller’s heart.
‘If you get children interested in reading and using the library early, they will be readers for life,? she said. ‘That’s the way I was. That’s the way my daughter Larissa is now.?
Science Fiction is the theme for 9th Annual Storybook Gala set to take place Friday, May 13 at Devil’s Ridge.
‘Many of our Gala patrons over the years have suggested science fiction as a theme,? Miller said. ‘It’s a community event, so we want input from the community.?
As for what to expect from a science fiction-themed gala, Miller said it’s going to be ‘flashy, mysterious and fun, a lot of fun.?
Because she doesn’t know much about the science fiction genre, Miller enlisted the input and aid of Oxford resident Greg Jorgenson, whom she described as a ‘sci fi expert.?
‘He’s designing and building something spectacular and over-the-top,? she said. ‘The project is top secret and will be unveiled at the gala.?
Tickets for this year’s Storybook Gala are $65 each and include a delicious dinner, fabulous dessert, dancing to the Night Lights and an open bar ? yes, an open bar (this is not a misprint).
For more information or to purchase tickets, Miller can be reached at (248) 969-0658.